Many employees working in blue-collar industries like automotive, repair, construction, production, farming, forest and landscaping face daily on-the-job risks. That said, white-collar workers, like hospital staff and office employees, also face hazards from time to time.
Whether your injury was due to an unsteady or slippery platform, a faulty tool or piece of machinery, or lifting up a hospital patient, you have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. The compensation awarded can go a long way toward easing your mind and body as you recover by helping you pay for basic necessities like food and housing, and your associated medical and recovery bills.
If your claim is denied, due to insufficient evidence, poor communication, a pre-existing condition, or another issue, don’t lose hope as nearly 70% of claims are converted (reversed) and paid out.
Research performed by Lockton, a worldwide independent insurance broker, revealed that these previously denied and then converted claims also can pay up to 50% more than the original claim, stating that while the average workers’ comp claim pays out $10,153, a converted claim pays out, $15,694, on average.
Denials are rising, but companies aren’t saving
From 2013-2017, claim denials rose by 20%. While companies think they are cutting costs by denying claims, the reality is quite the opposite. Lockton cited that the overall costs of denied claims are three times the cost of an accepted claim. The one area employers did see a cost-savings was in medical expenses.
Many companies cited poor productivity and a lack of trust when choosing to deny claims, but even so, the numbers don’t add up.
If you experience an on-the-job injury, don’t hesitate to hire a workers’ compensation attorney to represent you. Their job is to look out for your best interests, and if your claim is initially denied, claim litigation could lead to increased benefits.